Basilica Renovations Underway

Here's a close-up look at the new tile floor. The grout has not yet been applied. Photo by Brandon Tabor.

Workers from Ziolkowski Construction delicately place specially-cut tiles along the steps leading up to the sanctuary. Photo by Brandon Tabor.

Here's a slightly different view showing the tile pattern. Photo by Brandon Tabor.

The teams are working 20 hours a day, six days a week to complete the renovation in only three weeks. Photo by Matt Cashore.

Work crews are installing the tile on every part of the Basilica floor except the sanctuary, which has marble flooring.

Workers from Ziolkowski Construction and Art Mosaic are hard at work setting beautiful new tile on the floor of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in a three-week renovation project.

“Originally, the floor of the Basilica was tile, which provided for a more resonant space, especially for singing and the performance of organ and choral pieces," Basilica rector Rev. Peter Rocca, C.S.C. told Notre Dame News. "The removal of the carpeting will enhance the acoustics in the Basilica and eliminate the need of replacing the carpeting every 10 to 15 years."

“Since the renovation of the then Sacred Heart Church following the Second Vatican Council, and its subsequent restoration in the early 1990s, the floor of the Basilica has been carpeted,” Father Rocca said.

The Daily Domer team visited the Basilica to share a look at the renovation project now underway.